As the audience keep cheering for Ippo, he goes on the offensive and this time it is Ponchai who retreats. Kamogawa notes that the way in which Ippo waves and pushes forward resembles that of Mike Tyson. With Ponchai against the ropes, Ippo launches a straight that connects but notices it does no damage. He throws another punch but is almost intercepted by a counter on his way in. The public then realizes that Ponchai utilizes the same technique Date did to reduce the damage. At his coach's order, Ippo begins throwing smaller punches hoping to hit before Ponchai turns his head. Ippo baits Ponchai into lowering his guard and then lands a punch but Ponchai seems unaffected and throws one of his own. Ippo notices that Ponchai's eyes are like are full of determination, just like some of his opponents in the past.

The bell rings ending the second round and Ippo heads back to his corner. There Kamogawa tells him to not go for a quick knockout and instead target the body in order to build up the damage. The bell rings once more, signaling the beginning of the second round and Ippo assures his coach that he will end the fight in that round.